Elexon is implementing a new range of generic LED charge codes on 30th June to address the rapid increase in charge codes due to advancements in LED technology. These codes will standardize energy ratings across different manufacturers and help reduce charge code proliferation, while ensuring dimming options are accommodated through a new variable power switch regime. The transition will simplify integration into asset management systems and maintain validity for existing codes.

1. Implementation of ELEXON
Generic LED Charge Codes
16/06/2016 – ILP Summit

2. What will be covered?
Background to the change
Generic LED Charge Codes
Variable Power Switch Regimes
ELEXON Approved?
Constant Light Output
Impact on CMS
Summary

3. Currently charge code spreadsheet stands
at 8,331 active charge codes, of these 6,315
(76%) are for LED lamps
(figures correct as of 1st June 2016)
Thousands of LEDs…
One of the most common issues raised by customers has
been the ‘explosion’ of ELEXON charge codes
Originally a 150W SON ballast (standard control gear) had
the same charge code irrespective of the manufacturer
Then came electronic control gear and dimming
Differences in circuit wattages between manufacturers
and a desire for individual, manufacturer specific charge
codes
This was manageable for a while but the development of
LEDs and 1 watt increments being available meant that
the charge code list grew rapidly

4. ELEXON with the assistance of the Unmetered Supplies
User Group (UMSUG), manufacturers and asset
management system providers looked at a range of
options
Key customer desire was a reduction in ‘charge code
proliferation’
Using the charge code spreadsheet itself and filtering not
the issue per se
Setting up the codes in the asset management system
was an issue
Agreed that using the same codes for different
manufacturers was not an issue (40 watts is 40 watts)
Concern over how to check for ELEXON approval
The Solution?

5. On the 30th June ELEXON will implement:
A new range of generic LED charge codes
These will all be the 100% power rating
A separate range of ‘Variable Power Switch Regimes’
will be created for dimming
Dimming will be in 5% bandings (n/a to CMS)
A separate spreadsheet for checking a manufacturer’s
approval
Old codes will remain valid but no new ones will be
published for LEDs outside the generic range
Goes live this month…
Implementation

6. Charge code will always begin “42…”
Will always be the 100% power version and
therefore end “42 XXXX XXXX 100”
Circuit wattage is contained in the charge code,
so 60 watts is: 42 0060 0000 100
Digits 7, 8, 9 and 10 not currently used: 42
0060 0000 100
Should be easier to enter into asset
management systems as logic to the code’s
structure returns
Generic LED Charge Codes

7. All dimming will be reflected using the new Variable Power
Switch Regimes (VPSR)
Three digit alpha numeric switch regime, detailing the
time(s) the dimming applies and the % power(s)
Dimming is in 5% bandings, if dimmed by 22%, operating at
78% of full power, this would be rounded up to 80%
If operating at 76% power, rounded down to 75%
VPSR used for single step dimming and multiple dimmed
levels
VPSR in effect a rebrand of the current Multi Level Static
Dimming (MLSD)
Cannot use a 500 Series switch regime with a generic LED
charge code, must be a VPSR
Please note this VPSR list is not yet published, it could be
any letter / number combination! Customers can request any
dimming regimes they require
Variable Power Switch Regimes

8. Number of manufacturers engaging with the charge
code process has dramatically increased in recent
years
This list can be used to verify that a manufacturer is
approved
It lists the lower and upper wattage limit for each
product
Manufacturers will need to think carefully about having
clear product descriptions so that they don’t become
overly specific
ELEXON Approved?
Manufacturer Manufacturer's
Designation
Generic LED Codes
– Lower Limit
Generic LED Codes
– Upper Limit
ABC Ultra Product 1 42 0030 0000 100 42 0040 0000 100
XYZ LED Retrofit Superstar 42 0100 0000 100 42 0130 0000 100

9. Using generic codes in the inventory means customers
can no longer use the charge code itself to identify the
manufacturer
May want to add a column to capture that information,
presuming more than one manufacturer is used
Alternatively may want to capture the specific model
number to monitor faults with products, lamp life,
warranty claims, etc…
Identifying the manufacturer
Many
more…

10. Need to understand if the CMS is controlling the CLO (or not)
If CMS controls the CLO:
Enter the end of life circuit watt charge code
CMS will then register that it is operating at 70% power on day 1, 80% on day 600,
100% day 8,700(!)…
If there is either no CMS or the CMS does not control the CLO
Enter the charge code for the wattage that is the midpoint between the start and end of
life
If it is 100W at the start of life and 150W at the end then the charge code in the
inventory would state 125W
Constant Light Output

11. For CMS users there is no change
Customers use new generic LED charge codes in
inventories
Continue to use switch regime 999 as before
All dimming / part night switch off events captured by
the CMS event log file in the background
No need for 5% bandings for dimming
Can dim to any % power supported by lamp / driver
Central Management Systems

12. Generic Charge Codes available from 30th
June
Will greatly reduce number of charge codes
needed
All dimming will be declared using VPSR
Dimming in 5% bandings (unless using CMS)
Existing charge codes / dimming still valid
Consider how to capture manufacturer
information in inventories
Need to understand if the CLO is controlled
by driver or CMS
Summary

13. James Everley
National Account Manager
07540 528844
James.Everley@PowerDataAssociates.com
www.PowerDataAssociates.com
Thank you for listening…